THE STAKES

As longtime Sen. Mary Landrieu makes her bid for a fourth term in the Senate, the seat is considered a must-win for Democrats as they fight to maintain their slim majority in the Senate. Facing off against Landrieu is one-term Rep. Bill Cassidy, who is considered the GOP frontrunner and has the backing of the establishment. Challenging Cassidy is retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness, who has no previous political experience but has the support of the Tea Party, including the coveted endorsement of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

THE OUTLOOK

Landrieu faces a tough race in an increasingly conservative Louisiana as she campaigns for a fourth term. Landrieu, who has never won an election with more than 53 percent of the vote, is expected to face an especially challenging re-election bid this cycle following the botched rollout of the president’s health care law. In addition to her base support among progressive African-Americans, the senator must appeal to the state’s white moderate population -- many of whom despise the health care law that Landrieu voted for, though she is now calling to reform. Republican political donors, including the deep-pocketed Koch brothers, are said to be pouring money into the state with ads attacking Obamacare. Among the field of GOP candidates, Rep. Bill Cassidy, who enjoys strong popularity in his district, is considered the strongest contender; however, the unexpected entrance of Tea Party candidate Rob Maness means Cassidy can’t take his expected lead for granted.

ABC NEWS RATING

Toss-up

KEY DATES

November 4, 2014: General election

December 6, 2014: If one candidate does not receive 50 percent of the vote on November 4, there will be a runoff election to determine the ultimate victor. Louisiana operates under an “open” primary system, meaning there are no individual party primaries and all the candidates will run on the same ticket on the day of the general election.